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My diabetic dog is drinking and panting. Is it high blood sugar?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | unspayed

My diabetic dog is panting and drinking a lot of water, is this a sign of high or low blood sugar levels and how can we help her?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 5th, 2019

Drinking more water is more likely to be a sign of high blood sugar. Panting is not really specific to either low or high blood sugar. If you’re unable to check Fidget’s blood sugar at home and you feel something might be wrong you may want to contact your vet to see what they recommend based on her history. It is dangerous to change the insulin dose without first consulting your vet so I would recommend continuing the current dose as long as she is eating, not vomiting, and not having trouble walking or acting lethargic.

29Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 29th, 2019
Hi there. In diabetic dogs, an increase water consumption is often a sign that their blood sugar levels are too high. I would recommend talking to the veterinarian who is currently treating his diabetes about your concerns. It sounds like he may need to have a glucose curve done to check his sugar levels, so that his insulin dose can be adjusted if necessary.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Paula Simons
Veterinarian
Published on December 9th, 2014
Excessive urination and drinking are often signs of unregulated blood sugar that is too high (meaning not enough insulin). That being said, I would never adjust your dog's insulin dosage without first consulting with a vet and understanding how to treat hypoglycemia if needed. You can discuss at home testing of the urine or blood to determine your dog's blood sugar levels.
219Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 2nd, 2017
I would not recommend changing the insulin dose without contacting your veterinarian first. If it has only been a few days since Sydney started insulin she may still need time to see if this dose is appropriate - don’t get discouraged! Dogs with diabetes are also much more likely to develop urinary tract infections, so you may want to have your vet check a urine sample next time she has a visit. It is best to feed a diabetic dog just twice a day at the same time as the insulin injections so I would not recommend a snack before bed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 24th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Yes, what you looked up are possible causes of increased thirst and urination. Causes can be: diabetes (either mellitus or insipidus), cushings, kidney failure, liver failure, increased calcium, a urinary tract infection or rarely in dogs an overactive thyroid

I recommend making an appointment Monday for a physical exam and blood work. Bring a urine sample as well. Most of the above if not all can be ruled out by blood work and urine. Cushings does require more specialized testing if general blood work is suspicious for it.

I hope this helps! I wish you and Harry the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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